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A beautifully designed boutique accommodation in South Gippsland, Australia, that revives three dilapidated buildings of an old dairy farm.
Located in a gorgeous area of the picturesque town of Meeniyan in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, the Ross Farm is a boutique retreat that welcomes guests into three thoughtfully designed buildings. The parents of Andrea Moore, founder of Studio Moore, purchased the site in 2000 with the goal to rehabilitate the dilapidated structures that used to be a part of a dairy farm. Beautifully repurposed, the three buildings are a stunning example of adaptive-reuse architecture while also celebrating local craft and the rich textures of carefully chosen materials.
Following a ‘less is more’ philosophy, the work of Studio Moore focuses on the functionality of spaces, their atmosphere, and the well-being of their inhabitants while exploring a “handcrafted design language.” The Ross Farm is no exception. When the Moore family acquired the land, all three structures were in various states of dilapidation. The firm preserved some of the agricultural architecture features while bringing the interiors to life with a new aesthetic.
From run down agricultural structures to a stylish and cozy retreat.
The project began with the renovation and redesign of the Cabin; originally built in the 1970s, this volume now features warm and cozy interiors finished with eucalyptus green hues, light timber furniture and window frames, as well as blackened steel and brass accents. In the bathroom, cypress wood covers the walls and a Japanese-style tub provides the perfect excuse to relax. Guests also have access to an outdoor shower, a barbecue, a vegetable garden and a terrace that opens to views of the Tarwin Valley. Smaller than the other two buildings, the Cabin suits single travelers and couples.
Next, the studio rehabilitated the Barn and the Dairy, preserving their footprint. In the Barn, a new elevated ceiling allowed the addition of a mezzanine level that houses a sleeping area. Large windows frame views of the valley, while a spiral staircase made of aged steel connects the floors. To design the interiors, the studio took inspiration from the Wilsons Promontory National Park, located nearby. As a result, the Barn boasts an earthy palette of heavily textured OSB boards, golden brass, and pink granite. This building also features a bathroom with a Japanese bathtub, along with a full kitchen, wood-fired fireplace, barbecue, and fire pit. The Barn suits a small family or four friends.
A former cattle yard, the Dairy now boasts stylish spaces designed with a blend of concrete, dark plywood, steel, travertine, and brass. The Dairy suits a large family or a group of six friends. It features spacious living spaces with dark colors that create a cozy atmosphere. The bathroom boasts a round concrete bathtub, but guests also have access to an indoor and an outdoor shower. A wood-fired stove, full kitchen, fire pit, barbecue, and courtyard with views towards the surrounding hills complete the amenities. On the exterior, this volume features black timber panels finished with the shou sugi ban technique.
Celebrating tradition, materiality and the art of handmade objects.
Studio Moore designed each building of the Ross Farm with a different aesthetic and combination of materials, but all three volumes share a similar design language. Andrea Moore’s father, Lindsay Moore, built much of the spaces. Local builders and craftspeople helped to bring the project to life. Inside the buildings, custom-made furniture and accessories along with raw finishes celebrate the art of handcrafting and of vernacular building traditions, but in a modern way. The studio also used locally sourced materials for this project.
Designed as a tranquil retreat, the Ross Farm brings visitors closer to nature in a picturesque landscape. Guests have access to a huge range of places to explore, from national parks to beaches, historical sites, the Agnes Fall waterfall, and coastal towns. Local restaurants, shops and produce markets are also easily accessible, either on foot or by bike. The Studio Moore buildings can be rented separately or together to experience the breathtaking beauty of South Gippsland, Australia. Photography© Lachlan Moore.
